Re: [Paddlewise] Odometer for a kayak

Thanks for the posts about the SpeedCoach,  it sounds really neat.  Sorry to
be dense :-) but what do you mean when you said " it gives speed/distance
thru the water and not over the bottom"?
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Cooperstein <cprstnc1_at_optonline.net>
To: paddlewise paddlewise <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Thursday, December 24, 1998 6:48 AM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Odometer for a kayak


>I have the N-K SpeedCoach (I also responded in RBP).
>
>I bought it for my rowing shells, where I have the full set up:
>magnetic pickup under seat (for stroke rate), fixed impeller on hull
>with transducer inside boat.  It is very accurate after calibration.  Of
>course, it gives speed/distance thru the water and not over the bottom.
>
>For kayakers and canoers, N-K makes a different magnetic pickup that
>derives stroke rate from paddle movement.  Also, the stroke rate
>circuitry can be completely abandoned and the unit set to figure out
>stroke rate from the surges it sees in impeller rotation.
>
>I have found that the fixed impeller unit is a pain on boats with simple
>bottoms without fins -- like Alden Ocean Shells, canoes and kayaks.  You
>like to pull these up on the beach.  This you can no longer do with an
>impeller glued to your hull (without taking precautions).  So for these,
>I use the trailing wire impeller, which works equally well, and has the
>additional advantage that it can be used on any [slow] boat including a
>sailboat.
>
>By using velcro and simple clamps, it is easy to move this device from
>boat to boat.  After all, no matter how many of these little boats you
>accumulate, you are only using one at a time.
>
>Competitors need these devices to monitor their performance.  I use mine
>to ensure I am rowing/paddling efficiently and getting a good workout.
>
>If all you want, however, is a distance log, then I think you are better
>off with a GPS.
>
>If all you want is boat speed, then one of those spring-type devices
>with a string and plug are the simplest and cheapest.  They are used by
>sailors and are pretty accurate in the 3-5 mph range.
>
>Ken Cooperstein
>
>
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